Steve Withers

Steve Withers (Twitter, Google+) is a professional calibrator and freelance journalist who regularly contributes to AVForums, reviewing audio and video products, writing articles, appearing on our podcast and presenting numerous videos.

Steve has been writing about audio and video products for nearly ten years and, along with AVForums, he also contributes to Tech Radar, Trusted Reviews, Pocket-lint, Home Cinema Choice, Stuff, and Wired.

Steve is a professional audio and video calibrator who is Level 2 certified with THX, the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF) and the Home Acoustics Alliance (HAA). As such he remains abreast of all AV technology developments and the latest industry standards as we transition into a new era in home video and audio.

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  • Home AV

    321

    JVC DLA-NZ8 4K Laser Projector Review

    by Steve Withers
    JVC DLA-NZ8 4K Laser Projector Review
    JVC's new projector line-up upgrades its existing class-leading blacks and dynamic HDR tone-mapping by adding a BLU-Escent laser light source, 8K/e-shiftX, HDR10+ and HDMI 2.1 inputs. The specs on the mid-range DLA-NZ8 are impressive, but can it justify the significant price premium?  
    10
  • Home AV

    19

    Acurus Muse AV Processor Review

    by Steve Withers
    Acurus Muse AV Processor Review
    The Acurus Muse is a high-end 16-channel AV processor that supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Hi-Res Audio and the company's ASPEQT room correction technology. The Muse uses a compact cabinet that's designed for media rooms or commercial and marine applications, but still delivers a comprehensive immersive audio experience.  
    9
  • Home AV

    83

    Sony HT-A7000 Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Sony HT-A7000 Soundbar Review
    The Sony HT-A7000 soundbar promises an immersive experience with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X thanks to no less than 11 built-in drivers and advanced spatial processing. Throw in HDMI 2.1, Hi-Res Audio, 360 Reality Audio, Sound Field Optimisation, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and the ability to work with smart assistants, and you've got a seriously specified soundbar.  
    9
  • Home AV

    16

    JBL Bar 5.0 Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    JBL Bar 5.0 Soundbar Review
    The JBL Bar 5.0 soundbar promises a big and immersive delivery from a single unit thanks to MultiBeam technology and Dolby Atmos support. The inclusion of Chromecast, AirPlay, and Alexa Multi-Room Music rounds out a competitively priced package.  
    9
  • Home AV

    Panasonic SC-HTB490 Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Panasonic SC-HTB490 Soundbar Review
    The Panasonic SC-HTB490 2.1-channel soundbar offers a simple and cost-effective method of boosting your TV's sound quality, especially when it comes to bass.  
    8
  • Home AV

    36

    XGIMI Aura UST 4K Laser Projector Review

    by Steve Withers
    XGIMI Aura UST 4K Laser Projector Review
    The XGIMI Aura 4K HDR ultra-short-throw DLP laser projector promises big screen images, a Harman Kardon sound system and the Android TV smart platform, and all for a very attractive price. So are big screen TVs a thing of the past?  
    9
  • Home AV

    235

    Trinnov Audio Altitude16 AV Processor Review

    by Steve Withers
    Trinnov Audio Altitude16 AV Processor Review
    Updated 13th December 2021: The already impressive Trinnov Altitude16 AV processor has now been updated to add IMAX Enhanced and four additional channels of processing that allows for a full 9.4.6 immersive audio system.  
    10
  • Home AV

    55

    Best Projectors of 2021 - Editor's Choice Awards

    by Steve Withers
    Best Projectors of 2021 - Editor's Choice Awards
    We round-up the best projectors of 2021 in our Editor's Choice Awards.  
  • Home AV

    37

    Best Home AV Products of 2021 - Editor's Choice Awards

    by Steve Withers
    Best Home AV Products of 2021 - Editor's Choice Awards
    AV receivers, processors, soundbars, speaker packages, and subwoofers are amongst our chosen home AV products of 2021. We round-up the best of the best in our latest annual Editor's Choice Awards.  
  • Home AV

    5

    Paradigm Founder Speaker Package Review

    by Steve Withers
    Paradigm Founder Speaker Package Review
    The Paradigm Founder Series of speakers are the first new speakers released since the company was reacquired by its original founder (hence the name). While the entire range is impressive, the new 70LCR is of particular interest to home cinema fans.  
    9
  • Home AV

    339

    Denon AVC-X4700H AV Receiver Review

    by Steve Withers
    Denon AVC-X4700H AV Receiver Review
    The Denon AVC-X4700H is an AV receiver with nine built-in channels of amplification, and the ability to process 11.2 channels. It also offers Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D and IMAX Enhanced, along with HDMI 2.1 and HEOS multi-room. So, is this the manufacturer's AVR sweet spot?  
    9
  • Home AV

    2

    Denon Home 550 Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Denon Home 550 Soundbar Review
    The Denon Home 550 Soundbar is the latest addition to the company's growing range of HEOS multi-room products. It promises Dolby Atmos and DTS:X without upfirers, but does it do enough to justify its price tag?  
    8
  • Home AV

    151

    Anthem AVM 70 AV Processor Review

    by Steve Withers
    Anthem AVM 70 AV Processor Review
    The Anthem AVM 70 sports a sexy new design and includes all the latest features, plus it promises a genuinely immersive 15.2-channel experience with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced decoding, and ARC Genesis room correction.  
    9
  • Home AV

    15

    Hisense HS214 Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Hisense HS214 Soundbar Review
    Hisense enters the UK soundbar market with its new HS214 all-in-one soundbar. The pricing is attractive, but will it perform as well?  
    8
  • Home AV

    9

    BenQ V7000i UST 4K Laser Projector Review

    by Steve Withers
    BenQ V7000i UST 4K Laser Projector Review
    The new BenQ V7000i ultra-short-throw 4K HDR DLP projector not only delivers gorgeous big-screen laser images but adds Filmmaker Mode and Android TV.  
    9
  • Home AV

    6

    Yamaha SR-C20A Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Yamaha SR-C20A Soundbar Review
    The Yamaha SR-C20A is a compact 2.1-channel soundbar that delivers a surprisingly big sound thanks to a built-in subwoofer, making it a great choice for smaller lounges, bedrooms and desktop gaming.  
    8
  • Home AV

    245

    Reavon UBR-X100 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player Review

    by Steve Withers
    Reavon UBR-X100 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player Review
    Newcomer Reavon hopes its high-end UBR-X100 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player can fill the gap left by the departure of Oppo. Those are some big shoes to fill, let's see if it's up to the task.  
    9
  • Home AV

    140

    Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A AV Receiver Review

    by Steve Withers
    Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A AV Receiver Review
    The Yamaha RX-A2A is the entry-point into the manufacturer's new line-up of Aventage AV receivers, but aside from the cosmetics, does it do enough to differentiate itself from the range below?  
    8
  • Home AV

    1

    Klipsch Cinema 600 Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Klipsch Cinema 600 Soundbar Review
    The Klipsch Cinema 600 soundbar delivers high quality 3.1-channel sound with Tractrix horn tweeters, a powerful subwoofer with a 10" driver, HDMI-ARC, remote app and expansion options.  
    8
  • Home AV

    23

    Creative SXFI Carrier Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Creative SXFI Carrier Soundbar Review
    Creative might not be the first name that springs to mind when choosing a soundbar, but the Carrier SXFI with Dolby Atmos shows the company is serious in its ambitions.  
    8
  • Home AV

    103

    Anthem MRX 740 AV Receiver Review

    by Steve Withers
    Anthem MRX 740 AV Receiver Review
    The Anthem MRX 740 AV Receiver might sport a snazzy new design, but is the latest line-up that much different from the previous generation?  
    9
  • Tech

    161

    Oculus Quest 2 VR Headset Review

    by Steve Withers
    Oculus Quest 2 VR Headset Review
    The Oculus Quest 2 delivers an awesome VR experience with no wires or even the need for a PC or games console. Facebook may be mining your personal data, but at this price who cares?  
    9
  • Home AV

    22

    Samsung HW-S60A Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Samsung HW-S60A Soundbar Review
    The Samsung HW-S60A is an all-in-one 5.0 soundbar that combines acoustic prowess with lifestyle-friendly looks and Amazon Alexa smarts.  
    8
  • Home AV

    47

    LG SP8YA Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    LG SP8YA Soundbar Review
    The LG SP8YA soundbar promises to deliver a 3.1.2-channel system with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content. It also includes Meridian acoustic know-how, Amazon Alexa built-in and AirPlay 2. But how does it perform?  
    8
  • Home AV

    30

    LG SP11RA Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    LG SP11RA Soundbar Review
    The LG SP11RA is the company's latest flagship soundbar, and delivers fully immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X thanks to a 7.1.4-channel speaker layout. But does it offer enough to compete with Samsung?  
    8
  • Home AV

    703

    Samsung HW-Q950A Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Samsung HW-Q950A Soundbar Review
    The Samsung HW-Q950A applies 11.1.4 channels to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, and delivers staggering levels of immersion from object-based audio. Is this the best soundbar ever?  
    10
  • Home AV

    228

    madVR Envy Extreme Video Processor Review

    by Steve Withers
    madVR Envy Extreme Video Processor Review
    The madVR Envy Extreme offers cutting-edge image processing, combined with HDR dynamic tone mapping, auto aspect ratio control and 3D LUT calibrations. It's not cheap, but the performance is exceptional.  
    10
  • Home AV

    66

    JBL Synthesis SDR-35 AV Receiver Review

    by Steve Withers
    JBL Synthesis SDR-35 AV Receiver Review
    JBL Synthesis joins the AV receiver market by taking the Arcam AVR30 and adding its own unique cinema heritage to create the SDR-35.  
    9
  • Home AV

    688

    Zidoo Z1000 Pro Android TV Box Review

    by Steve Withers
    Zidoo Z1000 Pro Android TV Box Review
    The Zidoo Z1000 Pro takes all the excellent features found on the company's cheaper Android TV media boxes and adds a high-end chassis, built-in HDD bay and antennas, and a full-sized Bluetooth remote control. Nice!  
    9
  • TV

    99

    Samsung QN900 (QE75QN900A) Neo QLED 8K TV Review

    by Steve Withers
    Samsung QN900 (QE75QN900A) Neo QLED 8K TV Review
    The Samsung QN900A is the company's flagship Neo QLED 8K TV, and while it includes every technology the Korean giant has to offer, it also comes with a decidedly premium price.  
    8
  • Home AV

    82

    BenQ V6050 UST 4K Laser Projector Review

    by Steve Withers
    BenQ V6050 UST 4K Laser Projector Review
    The BenQ V6050 ultra-short-throw 4K HDR DLP projector promises to make your large-panel TV redundant with its gorgeous big-screen laser images.  
    9
  • Home AV

    22

    VAVA VA-LT002 UST 4K Laser Projector Review

    by Steve Withers
    VAVA VA-LT002 UST 4K Laser Projector Review
    The VAVA VA-LT002 4K HDR ultra-short-throw laser projector promises big-screen images from limited space, along with a sound system and smart platform. Is this new beamer a bargain?  
    8
  • Home AV

    222

    REL T/9x Subwoofer Review

    by Steve Withers
    REL T/9x Subwoofer Review
    REL gives its Serie Tx subwoofer range an overhaul, with the flagship T/9x offering a redesigned and more discreet cabinet, inside which you'll find a new 10-inch driver and beefed-up amplification.  
    9
  • Home AV

    3

    Polk React Soundbar and Subwoofer Review

    by Steve Withers
    Polk React Soundbar and Subwoofer Review
    The Polk React Soundbar offers two-channel audio and Amazon Alexa built-in, plus affordable upgrade options with the wireless React Subwoofer and SR2 surrounds.  
    8
  • Home AV

    173

    Samsung HW-Q800A Soundbar Review

    by Steve Withers
    Samsung HW-Q800A Soundbar Review
    The Samsung HW-Q800A is the company's latest mid-range soundbar, with support for eARC, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Amazon Alexa built-in.  
    9
  • Home AV

    145

    SVS SB-1000 Pro Subwoofer Review

    by Steve Withers
    SVS SB-1000 Pro Subwoofer Review
    The upgraded entry-level SVS SB-1000 Pro combines an enhanced driver, beefed-up amplifier and new features, with a Bluetooth remote app and competitive pricing.  
    9
  • Home AV

    23

    Storm Audio PA 16 MK2 16-Channel Power Amplifier Review

    by Steve Withers
    Storm Audio PA 16 MK2 16-Channel Power Amplifier Review
    The Storm Audio PA 16 MK2 power amplifier promises 16 channels of Pascal Audio Class D grunt in a single convenient box.  
    10
  • TV

    61

    What is Samsung EzCal?

    by Steve Withers
    What is Samsung EzCal?
    Samsung's latest potential TV feature is an app that allows users to automatically calibrate the screen using their mobile phone.  
  • Home AV

    13

    What is Trinnov Optimizer Room Correction?

    by Steve Withers
    What is Trinnov Optimizer Room Correction?
    The biggest influence on sound quality is the room itself, and while you can physically mitigate some of the negative aspects with acoustic treatments, a software solution is easier. The Trinnov Optimizer is the most flexible, customisable and sophisticated software available, making it the choice of the professionals.  
  • Home AV

    18

    What is Dirac Live Room Correction?

    by Steve Withers
    What is Dirac Live Room Correction?
    The biggest influence on sound quality is the room itself, and while you can physically mitigate some of the negative aspects with acoustic treatments, a software solution is easier. Dirac Live room correction is a sophisticated solution, and the dominant software in higher-end processors and receivers.  

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